Built-in 3.1 Megapixel Digital Camera

Canon's advanced image processing technology means your HD camcorder is also a high performance digital camera capable of capturing stunning 3.1 Megapixel photos to a miniSD™ card. It's like having an HD camcorder and digital still camera - all rolled into one. What's more, the VIXIA HV40's many advanced photo features make it a camera that rivals other state-of-the-art digital cameras. With Canon technology, it's not just video and photos - it's the best of both.2.96 Megapixel Full HD CMOS
The same Canon Exclusive 2.96 Megapixel Full HD CMOS image sensor that ensures sharp, vivid HD video also gives you brilliant digital photographs. Like the CMOS image sensors in Canon's EOS Series digital SLR cameras, the VIXIA HV40's image sensor results in outstanding digital photographs. It gives an impressive resolution of 1920 x 1440 for sharp, crisp still images.

Auto Intelligent Auto Focus ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, the VIXIA HV40's AiAF will automatically select from 9 metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus.

Since it is critical to achieve very sharp focus when shooting in High Definition, the VIXIA HV40 camcorder features Canon's revolutionary and exclusive Instant AF focusing system. It offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared to traditional auto focus systems). The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon's auto focus system, to help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This system achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus "hunting." The benefits of Instant AF are especially seen in high brightness, and night shooting situations. It's even possible to achieve fast, accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject. And because a properly focused subject is more critical than ever with HD, the VIXIA HV40 also features Focus Assist. This helps in capturing your subject in razor sharp focus (when you start recording, this assistance is automatically cancelled).

Auto Exposure Modes

Like any good digital still camera, the VIXIA HV40 lets you choose from a range of exposure modes. Auto mode automatically sets the exposure, letting you concentrate on your subject. AV (aperture priority) mode lets you control depth of field by letting you choose the aperture. TV (shutter priority) mode lets you select the shutter speed for sharp action shots. In P (program) mode, the camcorder adjusts camera settings automatically.Program AE Mode

Your life happens everywhere, so the VIXIA HV40 gives you settings that automatically result in the best exposure settings for different conditions and different subjects.

Portrait mode ensures shallow depth of field for a pleasing background to your shots of friends and family. Sports mode stops the action with faster shutter speeds. Night mode is designed to give you great shots after the sun goes down. Snow and Beach modes compensate for bright surroundings and give you the proper exposure on your subject. Sunset mode results in vibrant, well-exposed colors for one of the toughest subjects to capture. Use Spotlight mode when your child is on stage and in the spotlight - literally - and you want to make sure the exposure is right for them. And, Fireworks mode records brilliant images of another tough subject - the holiday fireworks display.

Simultaneous Photo Recording
With the VIXIA HV40, you can record HD video and capture a 2 Megapixel photo to a memory card - simultaneously. Simply press the photo button while recording and you've got an e-mail ready digital photo to share with friends and family.

Histogram Display

For the advanced digital photographer, the VIXIA HV40 comes with a Histogram Display - a feature found in Canon's line of digital SLR cameras. The display allows you to see the brightness information of your still images, so you can adjust your exposures as you shoot.

Level and Grid Markers

Simulated Image

With the Level Marker feature, it's easy to keep your camera level for more professional-looking photographs. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot - such as the horizon - to the marker and you can be sure your camcorder is level.

The VIXIA HV40's Grid Marker feature lets you compose your shot accurately, according to the grid in your viewfinder. You can even choose from two different colors for the grid. This ensures that you see the grid, no matter what the background color of your shot.Still Capture from Tape
The versatile VIXIA HV40 even lets you capture a still image from an already recorded movie. While playing the movie in your camcorder, simply press the photo button to capture a 1920 x 1080 still frame on a miniSD™ card. It's another way the VIXIA HV40 lets you enjoy and share your precious memories.